Odaiko Sonora News: Winter 2010

winter 2010 collage

From left: Southeastern Arizona Arts in Academics project's Double Adobe School; three images of what kids of all ages learned at Hocofest's Family Arts Festival.

Kids' Hearts & Minds...

The AZ School Tax Credit helps ensure that kids' get a complete education. Their educations are our future... and arts are the heart of that education.

Studies prove that arts have a profound, broad-reaching effect on child development. With just three hours a day, three days a week of participation in the arts, students are 4 times more likely to:

  • be recognized for academic achievement
  • participate in a math and science fair
  • win an award for writing
  • be involved in community service

Young people who participate in the arts have better attendance records, participate in youth groups more often and are more likely to be elected to leadership positions at their schools. This is true regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status!

As an Arizona tax payer, you can donate up to $200 to the school of your choice to support critical arts programs. Money given to schools through the AZ school tax credit comes right off your taxes and provides children with the programs they would otherwise be deprived of. These donations are more important now than ever before, as cuts in state education funding have led to drastic cuts in arts and music programs in schools.

This year, we're asking folks who haven't decided on a school to select Prince Elementary, Amphi School District to help fund Odaiko Sonora's spring taiko residency program there. Besides fulfilling Arizona state standards for music and physical education, taiko promotes discipline and focus, listening and teamwork skills, and individual wellness.

How to give online:

How to pay by check:

  • Print and complete the Tax Credit Contribution Form at http://www.amphi.com/district/news/tax.html
  • For item #2, check "Other" and write in "taiko residency"
  • Mail with your check for $200 (individuals) or $400 (married couples filing jointly) to "Prince Elementary School" at 125 E. Prince Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705-3635

Lighten your load
TUSD Pan Asian Studies Department has been helping out Bhutanese refugee students with clothes, activities, tutoring and other gifts. They are currently looking for donations of new and used recreational equipment for the kids' after-school activities. If you have any of these you'd like to donate, you can drop smaller items at the TUSD Pan Asian office at 1010 E. 10th St., just east of Tucson Blvd and north of Broadway. Call 225-6556 to make sure someone's at the office or to arrange delivery/pick-up of larger items. Or you can call Karen, 481-8003 and we'll help arrange to your donation to the right folks.

  • table tennis (table, net, paddles, ping-pong balls)
  • soccer balls
  • volley balls
  • badminton set
  • basketballs

Upcoming Events
See our updated web listings and "like" our Facebook page!

Learn to Play Taiko!
Dubbed by one of our long-time fans "the closest thing to immediate musical gratification," taiko promotes focus, physical awareness and fun fun fun. Your first session is always free.

Adult Recreational Taiko (ART)
Saturdays, 2:30–4:30pm. Next sessions are Jan. 22–March 5 and March 12–April 16
Designed as an beginners' course, participants learn rudiments of Japanese ensemble drumming, including historical and cultural background. Appropriate for students of many physical ability levels, with emphasis on flexibility and economy of movement. Students will learn basic kata (form), several drills and at least two songs. $120 per session.

Taiko Drop-in
Fridays, 3:00–4:15pm. No classes on Dec. 24 & 31
Been thinking taiko might be fun to try? This is a place to to test the waters, reinforce skills and rhythms from other classes, and gain comfort with the practice of taiko. $10 class or 8 class punchcard for $75. First time drop-in is free, and should call or email to let us know you will be coming 481-8003 karen@tucsontaiko.org

Arigato gozaimasu!